Marijuana’s recorded use as a medicine goes back nearly 5,000 years, and modern medical research has confirmed beneficial uses for marijuana. The oldest known written record on cannabis use comes from the Chinese Emperor Shen Nung in 2727 B.C. Ancient Greeks and Romans were also familiar with cannabis, while in the Middle East, use spread throughout the Islamic empire to North Africa. In 1545 cannabis spread to the western hemisphere where Spaniards imported it to Chile for its use as fiber. In North America, cannabis in the form of hemp was grown on many plantations for use in rope, clothing and paper.

Legality:

The acquisition, possession, cultivation, manufacturing, delivery, transfer, transportation, supplying, selling, distributing, or dispensing medical marijuana under state law is lawful only if done in strict compliance with the requirements of the State medical marijuana Act (“Act”), AZ Revised Statutes Title 36, Chapter 28.1 and AZ Administrative Code Title 9, Chapter 17. Any failure to comply with the Act may result in revocation of the registry identification card Updated 06/11/2015 20 of 22 or registration certificate issued by the AZ Department of Health Services, and possible arrest, prosecution, imprisonment and fines for violation of state drug laws.

Poly Drug Use and Contraindications

When cannabis and alcohol are consumed at the same time the user may experience nausea or vomiting. In some individuals it can cause panic, anxiety or paranoia. It can induce psychotic symptoms in individuals susceptible to that condition. There is also evidence to suggest that their concurrent use causes faster absorption of the (THC), which is the psychoactive ingredient in cannabis causing it to have a more pronounced effect, this effect is called “greening out” and is unpleasant, with symptoms such as abnormal sweating, dizziness, nausea and vomiting. It is most likely to occur when the alcohol is consumed first.

Methods of Consumption

Smoking Cannabis

The most common ingestion method has traditionally been to smoke the direct flower and/or leaves of the cannabis plant.

Vaporizing Cannabis

A vaporizer is a device that allows the patient to separate the cannabinoids from the plant material without burning.

Edible Cannabis

Edibles are food cooked with tincture, oil, or butter infused with cannabis. Research shows heating Cannabis increases its THC content and decreases other Cannabinoid content, which help reduce the Psychotropic effects of THC; finally oral ingest increases the available amount of medicine. Edibles take longer to take effect, 20-60 minutes at least, It will take much longer to feel the effects of edibles. If you consume edible be patient and wait, don’t over medicate.

Types of Cannabis Medicine

Cannabis is the botanical name of a genus of annual flowering plants in the Cannabaceae family. There are over 150 species and 10 genera included in the Cannabaceae family.

Medical Cannabis comes in two basic types: Sativa and Indica. Each type has its own distinct set of characteristics and are available in pure strains, and hybrids.

Cannabis Sativa

The cannabis sativa medicating effect is often characterized as uplifting and energetic. Sativas are a good choice for daytime medication.

Cannabis Indica

The Cannabis Indica medicating effect is most often described as a pleasant body buzz. Indicas are great for relaxation, stress relief, and overall sense of calm and serenity. Cannabis Indicas are also very effective for overall body pain relief.

The potency of marijuana varies by strain and harvest. Consult your Dispensary Agent for information about particular strains, strengths, and dosage.